Rodri releases statement after getting exposed for calling Barcelona's opponents 'terrible'

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has issued a public apology to Valencia following disrespectful comments captured on camera during his side's recent 5-0 away victory.

The Spain international released a statement following Barcelona's 5-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Feyenoord on September 9, confirming he personally contacted Valencia captain José Gayà to address the incident.

The controversy stemmed from Barcelona's LALIGA fixture at the Mestalla on September 6, which saw Lamine Yamal score a brace alongside goals from Fermín López, Raphinha, and Pedri.

Following his substitution, broadcasters caught Rodri in conversation with teammate Pau Cubarsí on the substitutes' bench.  

The midfielder stated, "They're really bad, man," and, "They're terrible," before expressing surprise when Cubarsí informed him Valencia finished the previous 2025/26 season just outside the European qualification places.  

“I want to apologize to the fans and players of Valencia; I also called Valencia's captain, Gayà," Rodri stated on Wednesday.  

"A human, when they make a mistake, must apologise, and I hope Valencia returns to where they belong".  

Gayà accepted the apology from his international teammate, acknowledging the remarks were a mistake.  

Rodri's comments highlight a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign for the Mestalla club. Valencia occupy 20th place in the LALIGA standings after accumulating one point from their opening four fixtures.

They scored one goal while conceding nine, resulting in a minus-eight goal difference. Conversely, Barcelona top the table with a perfect 12 points following the September 6 result.

The apology follows a prominent period for the midfielder, who joined Barcelona from Manchester City in August 2026 for an initial €60 million fee.  

Rodri secured the transfer after anchoring Spain's victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where he won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.  

His international success follows a decorated tenure in England, where he played for Manchester City from 2019 to 2026 and secured the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League title alongside the 2024 Ballon d'Or.